binoculars
Binoculars (noun) means a handheld optical instrument with lenses for each eye, used to magnify distant objects. Example: “She used binoculars to watch the birds on the lake.”
How to use binoculars
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTwo small telescopes joined together so you can view distant things with both eyes at once.
Always treated as plural — "these binoculars," not "this binocular" (though "binocular" alone is a valid adjective, as in "binocular vision").
Word forms
binocular singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She used _____ to watch the birds on the lake.
Etymology
Shortened from "binocular glass" — "binocular" itself comes from Latin bini ("two together") and oculus ("eye").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for binoculars
See all rhymes for binoculars →Frequently asked questions
What does “binoculars” mean?
The word “binoculars” means a handheld optical instrument with lenses for each eye, used to magnify distant objects. In plain terms, two small telescopes joined together so you can view distant things with both eyes at once.
How do you pronounce “binoculars”?
“Binoculars” is pronounced bih-NOK-yuu-luhz (/(ˌ)baɪˈnɑ.kjə.lɚz/ in IPA).
How do you use “binoculars” in a sentence?
Here is “binoculars” used in a sentence: “She used binoculars to watch the birds on the lake.”
What part of speech is “binoculars”?
“Binoculars” is a noun.
Where does the word “binoculars” come from?
The word “binoculars” comes from Latin. Shortened from "binocular glass" — "binocular" itself comes from Latin bini ("two together") and oculus ("eye").